Tag Archives: inspiration

You are today where your thoughts have brought you.

You will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.

– James Lane Allen

I think of this quote as the adult version of “The World is your Oyster..” quote which just added to my anger as a teenager because I couldn’t be a rocket scientist if I wanted. I just wasn’t smart enough. That was cool with me. But the fact that everyone says this just frustrates me.

Whereas the quote above is more realistic to me. It reminds me that it is only I who sets the limits to my life. Now I know you are probably thinking this is pretty similar thinking to the oyster quote, but this is more about the choices, decisions and mindsets that I choose each day.

Sometimes in your life (like being a little isolated and lonely overseas) you need a little reminder that it is only you who chooses to be happy. No one else. The choice doesn’t just find you. You are the choice. I’ve found this outlook so helpful when facing food demons, and enjoying my exercise (rather than feeling guilty when not doing it), and just appreciating the everyday small things!!!!

Do just once what others say you cannot do and you will never pay attention to their limitations again.

– Captain James Cook

Photo thanks to Roland Garros website

So I love watching (and playing but that has truly not happened for years) tennis. As you know I recently went to the French Open to see two days of tennis. WL and I had a great time and were lucky enough to see both less known and really well known players on the outdoor courts. Which brings me to this quote…

I find athletes (or for that matter anyone who achieves sport or art etc professionally) so inspirational. Yes you hear about their doubts from time to time, but they have that inner ability to truly believe in themselves. One of the things that draws me to tennis is that throughout a match you see the individuals go through their ups and downs (I am currently watching Azarenka vs Sharapova in the Semi-finals do this point by point… arghghgh the tension!!!). There is nothing like seeing a champion down, pick themselves back up from a point that seems hopeless to come back and win the match.

This really speaks to me because I didn’t find the profession I wanted when I was eight. I have many interests and sometimes discussing these with others causes me to doubt myself. There is that flicker across their face doubting your ability to achieve that thought. Well, why couldn’t I achieve an idea I’ve thought of?! So that’s why this quote speaks to me.

Have you ever had someone doubt you? Did their doubt stop you from following your dream? Or how did you overcome the doubt? Please share – any suggestions here will always be appreciated!

P.S. Today is the men’s final at the French Open. Who are you going for? I’m gunning for Djokovic!

Vision without a task…

…is only a dream.

A task without a vision…

…is a drudgery.

But a vision with a task is a dream fulfilled.

I love this quote as it reminds me of why I created this blog. I have dreams and wishes for my life. This blog gives me a structure and a reminder that dreaming doesn’t get me far. Sometimes I just need a good ol’ kick up the bum (or a well written reminder) to get on with living.

Do you have any inspirational quotes that you use regularly or like to come back to? Please share as I always love new little wisdoms.

Today I somehow ended up watching a video by one of my favourite bloggers Elsie from A Beautiful Mess. She was being interviewed as an ambassador for ShapeWhatsToCome where she quoted this as the best piece of advice she had been given:

What doesn’t get done, doesn’t need to get done.

How true?!!! I find Elsie and her sister Emma’s blog really inspirational. They’ve created a whole business for themselves and I just love reading their lifestyle blog ABM. They are so creative in their ‘art’ of blogging: they produce ‘clever and enticing features’ and ‘top tip features’ that I find really addictive to read! In fact I was a little obsessed with their website for a week or two (or three…). Through reading about their lifestyle I have been motivated to get creative again by Making & Baking (soon to be a regular feature here), Photography & simply creating this blog! So thanks ladies for inspiring me! And Thanks Elsie for the tip!